A former Fresno officer accused of stealing $60,000 from the police evidence locker is also being defended by the city of Fresno in three lawsuits that allege he took part in thefts from residents during unnecessary arrests.
Ex-officer Rey Medeles pleaded “not guilty” in an October arraignment on four charges, two counts each for grand theft and preparing false evidence, according to court records.
Medeles and other Fresno officers face similar allegations from local business owners of theft and falsifying evidence, as well as excessive force and other civil rights claims, in three unrelated civil cases…